US refuses to release records on Chinese companies linked to deadly fentanyl trade

By David Armstrong, STAT, Apr. 18, 2016

US customs officials are refusing to release records related to two Chinese companies linked to an explosion of fentanyl overdoses unless the companies give their permission — a stance called astonishing by an expert on public records.

STAT requested US government records related to the companies through a Freedom of Information Act request earlier this month. The information sought included any records documenting violations of US law by the companies; sanctions or restrictions placed on the companies; reports detailing products exported to the United States by the companies; and any investigative reports.

In response, the US Customs and Border Protection agency instructed STAT to resubmit its request with statements from the companies “authorizing that their information may be accessed, analyzed, and released to a third party.”